Loach is a highly nutritious fish that is widely popular among consumers, making it a promising option in the market. It has relatively low requirements for water quality and can be farmed in various environments such as ponds, rice fields, ditches, and even Tiantou pits. This makes it an ideal choice for rural development and a practical way for farmers to boost their income.
**I. Pond Conditions**
The pond should be located near a water source to ensure regular water changes. The ideal size is between 200 to 400 square meters, and it shouldn't exceed one acre. A water depth of 40 to 50 centimeters is suitable, with slightly acidic to neutral water conditions. The bottom of the pond should be flat with minimal mud, and the structure should be compacted to prevent leaks or escape through holes. To make harvesting easier, a small fish collection pit of about 6 to 8 square meters can be dug near the outlet.
Before stocking, the pond should be disinfected using quicklime and bleaching powder. Apply approximately 50 grams of quicklime per acre and 15 kg of bleaching powder dissolved throughout the pond, with a water depth of around 10 centimeters.
**II. Seed Stocking**
For breeding loach, it's recommended to stock about 40 to 50 seedlings per square meter. The seedlings should be uniform in size, ideally around 3 to 4 cm long, to prevent larger individuals from preying on smaller ones. Before introducing them into the pond, they should be dipped in a solution of malachite green at a concentration of 8 mg/kg for about 5 minutes to prevent fungal infections.
**III. Feeding and Management**
1. **Natural Food Sources:** Loach have a varied diet, including aquatic animals, plants, microorganisms, and organic debris. Before stocking, you can apply base fertilizer such as livestock manure to promote the growth of natural food sources. Apply about 10 to 15 kg of organic fertilizer per square meter.
2. **Artificial Feeding:** In addition to natural food, loach can also be fed commercial feed like rice bran, soybean cake, wheat bran, and other by-products. The feeding amount should be around 4% to 5% of their body weight. When the water temperature is between 25 to 28°C, loach eat most actively, so feeding can be increased slightly to accelerate growth. Feeding should be done at night, using a designated feeding area to ensure efficiency.
3. **Routine Care:** When the water temperature rises above 30°C, loach tend to burrow into the mud to escape the heat, which can lead to suffocation due to low oxygen levels. At this time, frequent water changes are necessary to regulate temperature and increase dissolved oxygen. Shade can be provided using water hyacinth or duckweed. Regular inspections of the pond are also important to detect and resolve any issues promptly.
**IV. Fishing Methods**
1. **Water Flushing Method:** A special fish net is placed near the water inlet. The length of the net depends on the size of the inlet. Once set up, a gentle flow of water is introduced, causing the loach to gather near the inlet. When enough fish are collected, the net is quickly lifted. This method is effective and efficient.
2. **Bait Trapping Method:** Cooked wheat flour is placed inside a bamboo cage, which is then positioned around the pond to attract loach. This method works best at night, especially when the water temperature is between 25 to 28°C, as loach are more active during these conditions.
By following these methods, farmers can successfully raise and harvest loach, contributing to both economic growth and sustainable aquaculture practices.
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